Team USA claimed the Olympic men\u2019s ice hockey title on Sunday with a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in Milan, sealing the country\u2019s first gold medal in the event since 1980.<\/p>\n
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Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal 1:41 into sudden death overtime. Zach Werenski carried the puck out of defence and fed Hughes, who beat Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington from close range to end the contest.<\/p>\n
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The United States last won Olympic gold in men\u2019s hockey at Lake Placid in 1980.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI love the USA, I love my teammates \u2013 it\u2019s unbelievable,\u201d Jack Hughes told NBC after the match. \u201cThe USA hockey brotherhood means so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The final drew a full crowd at the Milano Santagiulia arena and followed a tense 60 minutes of regulation play. Matt Boldy gave the United States a first period lead with a solo effort past two defenders. Canada levelled late in the second period through Cale Makar.<\/p>\n
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Canada outshot the United States 41-26 over regulation and overtime. Connor Hellebuyck, the American goalkeeper, made 41 saves and kept his side in the match during extended pressure in the third period.<\/p>\n
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\u201cHe was our best player tonight by a mile,\u201d Hughes told NBC.<\/p>\n
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The game moved to three on three overtime under Olympic rules. There is no shootout in a gold medal match. The first goal ended the contest.<\/p>\n
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Canada pressed for long spells in the third period. Nathan MacKinnon missed an open net from a tight angle. Macklin Celebrini and Connor McDavid also saw chances denied by Hellebuyck. Canada played without captain Sidney Crosby, who missed the final with a leg injury.<\/p>\n
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At the final horn, American players threw gloves and sticks into the air. The team later skated with a number 13 jersey in tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, who died in 2024. His family attended the match in Milan, according to CNN<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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